(Paris) The best triathletes in the world raced towards the Seine on Thursday, as the quality of the water of the famous river allowed the presentation of a key test event in preparation for the Paris Olympic Games in 2024.
Another sporting event was canceled earlier in August due to poor water quality.
The organizers of the Paris Games, the municipal authorities and the world triathlon federation have praised the winner of the women’s event, Briton Beth Potter.
“She thus becomes the first athlete since 2012 to win a sporting event after swimming in the Seine,” they said in a joint statement.
The triathlon competition takes place in Paris until Sunday. The swimming portion begins at the foot of the famous Alexandre III bridge. Cycling and running circuits meander through some of the French capital’s most famous neighborhoods, including the Champs-Élysées. Spectators can attend the event for free.
“What a special place,” said American Katie Zaferes, who finished 21st and still hopes to qualify for the Paris Games. I hope to be back next year after having been able to discover the course. »
France’s Cassandre Beaugrand, who finished second, called the event “magnificent. Everyone is happy to be here.”
Beaugrand did not express concerns about the quality of the water in the Seine.
“We’re used to swimming in worse waters,” she said.
The site will host Olympic and Paralympic swimming events.
“I was on the podium with the ladies this morning and they told me it was probably the best triathlon they’ve ever taken part in,” said Paris 2024 organizing committee president Tony Estanquet. For us, this is proof that the work done has had a very positive impact and we are on our way to presenting a fantastic triathlon next year. »
Earlier this month, an open water swimming World Cup event was canceled. Heavy rains had then caused spills of untreated wastewater into the Seine, causing the level of water quality to fall below standards.
The organizers recalled that 1.4 billion euros had been invested by the State and local authorities to improve the quality of the water in the Seine.